Propane Quick release question...

[limetree]

Hi,

I recently bought a set of quick release coupling but I'm not sure how to connect it to my hosing.  Do I need to secure the ends with a metal clip thing.  When I bought my torch the propane hose was already connected and secured to the torch end with what looks like a metal ring squeezed tight. If I need this metal ring thing can someone tell me what it's called so I don't look stupid when I pitch up at B&Q.  Thanks 

[mizgeorge]

Yes! What you're looking for is a couple of jubilee clips.

[Mary]

Did you not get 'o' clamps with the quick release connectors? I did when I got mine from Martin. You're not really supposed to use jubilee clips with propane (but yes, I do use them on the torch barbs!).

[helbels]

When I got my quick release couplings last month, they had silver round bits already on the hoses that looked like they needed tightening in some way.  I emailed  Martin and he said you are supposed to "nip" these silver clips to tighten them with a pair of pliers or bullnose pliers.

To be honest though, I haven't bothered yet - it was so difficult to just get the hoses on to the couplings that I doubt any propane whatosever  is managing to sneak out, as they are so flipping tight!  My boyfriend nearly put his arm out trying to push those couplings into the hoses!

[limetree]

Hi - Thanks for your replies!! I got my coulping from Martin but only got the two big metal parts. I'll go down to B&Q and try and get the O ring.   

[llewennog]

As long as you leak test your connection after youve installed the Qr's then you'll be fine.

  Either buy a leak test solution or use a strongish solution of w/up liquid and water, brush it over the connections fill with gas and check for bubbles:D if you got bubbles then you got a leak. 

Tbh its something you should check whenever you switch your prop bottle over too!

[Natz33]

Hi all,
Could someone please explain, I have bought a kit from Martin to take hothead from mapp to bulk, as mentioned previously here.  From what I understand of my hothead at the moment is that I turn the nozzle, light and then turn off when done - simple.

There seem to be a few more motions involved once on bulk gas, I have seen the word regulator, and who knows what else, I am really clueless.  Could someone please either explain to me in really simple english, or point me in the right direction, please.

To be honest the whole thing is a little bit scary and noone wants to blow up the family home, do they, so please humour me guys.
Thanks
Nat

[julieHB]

Hi Nat,

If you bought the bulk kit from Martin all the bits should be in place. You screw the end with the big blob (regulator) on your propane cylinder, and open the regulator about 3/4. NB 1: You connect it to the propane cylinder by turning the nut clockwise, not anti-clockwise as with almost all connectors - please remember this when it's time to change propane cylinders!!  NB 2: You open the regulator by turning it downwards - once set you don't have to touch this bit any more 

On the other end I expect Martin has already fixed a hose-to-hothead connector, which you just screw onto your torch.

Before you light up:

1. Turn the gas off at the torch.
2. Open the propane on the cylinder.
3. Check for leaks at all connections, in particular where you have connected the hose to the cylinder/torch (you don't have to this every time, but certainly in the beginning and every time you change cylinder - I tend to do it periodically just to be sure)
4. Open up for propane at the torch just a little and light as normal.
5. When finished, turn propane off on the cylinder, burn off gas still in the hose, and when the flame is very small turn off at torch.

HTH 

[Natz33]

Thanks Julie, that is exactly what i was after.
cant wait to get the kit on Tuesday, the Mapp gas is costing me a fortune!